Incontinence diaper

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an incontinence diaper (2) with rear lateral sections (22) which are joined to the rear region (16) on both sides, which can be placed around the body of the user in order to close the incontinence diaper. The rear lateral sections (22) have an extension (Q) in the transverse direction (10) over the respective rear lateral longitudinal edge (18) and wherein the rear lateral sections (22) are folded together about at least two lateral section folding axes (46, 48) running in the longitudinal direction (8), and folded together sub-regions (50, 52, 54) of the rear lateral sections (22) are defined by the lateral section folding axes (46, 48). An outer sub-region (54) in the transverse direction (10) is unstretchable, and at least 50% of the surface of a sub-region (52) which adjoins the outer sub-region (54) inwards is unstretchable starting from the outer folding axis.

The invention relates to a disposable incontinence diaper, having a mainpart having an absorbent element and a longitudinal direction and atransverse direction, comprising a front region having forward laterallongitudinal peripheries, a back region having rearward laterallongitudinal peripheries, and disposed therebetween a crotch region thatcomes to lie between the legs of a user, and rearward side portionswhich are joined to both sides of the back region and which in thetransverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaper extend beyondthe lateral rearward longitudinal peripheries of the main part and inthe region of that end of said rearward side portions that is free inthe transverse direction have in each case at least one closure means,whereas no side portions are joined to the front region but the forwardlateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part form a free-endinglongitudinal periphery of the diaper, wherein the rearward side portionsfor placing and closing the disposable incontinence diaper on a user arein each case capable of being placed around the body of the user in acircumferential direction and of being moved to an arrangement thatoverlaps with an external side of the front region, said rearward sideportions then being capable of being in each case releasably adhered tosaid external side of the front region by way of the respective closuremeans, wherein the rearward side portions in a planar spread-out but notelongated state have an extent (Q) in the transverse direction beyondthe respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery and within thisextent (Q) are elastically elongatable in the transverse direction andto this end have an elastic or elasticized region that extends in thetransverse direction and in the longitudinal direction.

A disposable incontinence diaper of this type is a so-called T-shapeddiaper which fundamentally differs from other diaper concepts. In thecase of T-shaped diapers of this type as are described, for example, inWO 2007/035903 A1, side portions are joined to the main part only in theback region, while the diaper in the front region does not have anyadditional side portions joined thereto but is delimited by respectivelateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part. The rearward sideportions in most instances project in the longitudinal direction of thediaper, but are typically shorter than the extent of the laterallongitudinal peripheries of the main part in the back region. Therearward side portions of T-shaped diapers in the transverse directionextend in such a manner that said rearward side portions can be broughtto overlap the external side of the front region of the main part, inorder that closure means that are provided in the region of therespective free ends of the rearward side portions can be closed on theexternal side of the main part of the diaper.

As opposed thereto, so-called belt diapers in which very long beltportions extend away on both sides in the transverse direction from theback region of the main diaper part are widely known, said belt portionsbeing dimensioned in such a manner that the latter can be closed onthemselves around the entire stomach circumference of the user. When abelt diaper is being placed for wearing, the product is placed frombehind against the hip or back region of the user, and the two beltportions are thereafter closed directly on one another on the stomachside of the user. No oblique tensile forces whatsoever are introducedinto the belt or the main part herein, but a force that acts only in thecircumferential direction of the hip is exerted on both belt portions.Thereafter, the main diaper part is retrieved from between the legs ofthe user and by means of further closure elements is positioned andfixed in most instances against the external side of the previouslyclosed belt. Regions of the belt portions have also already beenconfigured so as to be elastic, e.g. EP 2 029 079 B1.

In the case of the T-shaped diapers being discussed here, in which therearward side portions are closed on the external side of the frontregion of the main diaper part, high tensile forces are often introducedinto the side portions and into the main diaper part when closing,because the user or a carer when placing the diaper endeavors toestablish an obvious overlap situation between the rearward sideportions and the front region of the main part and herein tosimultaneously introduce the tensile force that is required for a tightfit of the diaper into the overall system such that the diaper is alsodurably held on the user. Oblique tensile forces also arise herein inthe care situation, the former thus being tensile forces which besides acomponent in the transverse direction have a component in thelongitudinal direction, this leading to critical situations in theregion where the rearward side portions join the main part. Tearing ofthe side portions or severing of the join connection often arisestherein. In the case of belt diapers as well as in the case of diapershaving side portions joined to the front and the rear this problemarises to a significantly lesser extent. The kinematics of placing forwearing in the case of belt diapers is completely different, and in thecase of diapers having rearward and forward side portions a typicalplacing situation is already established by way of the overlap betweenthe respective rearward and forward side portions.

Meanwhile, the present invention is based on the object of proposing aT-shaped disposable incontinence diaper of the type mentioned at theoutset in which the side portions are readily manageable both during theproduction as well as when the diaper is being placed by the user or acarer, said side portions thus in particular not being present in anuncoordinated manner, wherein a cost-effective production capability ofthe diaper is nevertheless to be implemented.

This object in the case of a disposable incontinence diaper of the typementioned is achieved according to the invention in that the rearwardside portions ex works are folded onto themselves about at least twoside portion folding axes that run in the longitudinal direction,part-regions of the rearward side portions that are folded onto oneanother being defined and delimited by said side portion folding axes,and in that a part-region that is outboard in the transverse region isconfigured so as to be substantially non-elongatable, and in that apart-region that inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region, proceedingfrom the outer folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, byway of at least 50% of the area of said part-region is configured so asto be non-elongatable. On account of a part-region that is outboard inthe transverse direction being configured so as to be substantiallynon-elongatable, said part-region can be securely gripped by the userand more easily handled when releasing the folded configuration of theside portions when the disposable incontinence diaper is put to use.

It furthermore proves advantageous for the folded configuration of theside portions to be fixed ex works, for instance by way of individualjoints, in particular adhesively bonded, thermally or ultrasonicallywelded spots, which for unfolding the side portions by the user arenevertheless comparatively easy to release by hand, in particular in onego. In this case, a single closure means that in the longitudinaldirection is positioned so as to be approximately centric on the sideportions preferably proves to be advantageous, wherein the joints do notacquire the folded-in closure means but are disposed so as to be outsidethe closure means in the longitudinal direction.

The gripping capability and the handling capability of the side portionsas well as of the folded-in closure means are improved by the folding ofthe side portions.

It furthermore proves advantageous that according to the invention apart-region that inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region, proceedingfrom the outer folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, byway of at least 50% of the area of said part-region is configured so asto be non-elongatable. These at least 50% of the area are thusdetermined proceeding from the outboard folding axis in that, animaginary line that is parallel with the folding axis, proceeding fromthe latter, is moved inward in a quasi scanning manner in the transversedirection until said imaginary line meets an elongatable region. Thescanned area is then determined and compared to the overall plan viewarea of the part-region. It is achieved according to the invention onaccount thereof that the part-region that in the transverse region isoutboard, and the part-region inwardly adjoining the latter, in a planarmanner bear on one another across a very large non-elongatable area (ofat least 50% of the area of the last-mentioned part-region) whichconsequently is free of elastic or elasticizing elements. This opens upthe possibility of mutually fixing the non-elongatable part-regions in areleasable manner in the folded configuration by way of theaforementioned measures, wherein elastic or elasticizing elements interms of the intended effect thereof are compromised to a lesser extentby the aforementioned fixing measures. Moreover, the joints in theregion of non-elongatable portions can be more easily opened by the useras compared to joints which interconnect elastically elongatableportions.

The extent (U) of a respective non-elongatable region of the part-regionthat inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region, proceeding from theouter folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, in thetransverse direction up to the start of an elongatable region ispreferably at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm, furthermore inparticular at least 25 mm, further preferably at least 30 mm, butpreferably at most 100 mm, furthermore preferably at most 70 mm.

When the part-regions that bear on one another are releasably fixed bythe aforementioned measures about the at least one closure means that istucked inward, or in the longitudinal direction above or below thetucked-in closure means, the tucked-in closure means thus forms aholding region that is readily capable of being gripped for unfoldingthe respective side portion. It proves advantageous also in this casefor exactly one closure means to be provided, the latter in such a casein the longitudinal direction being disposed so as to be approximatelycentric on the respective side portion, because regions for releasablyfixing the part-regions that bear on one another are provided in thisinstance, said regions projecting in the longitudinal direction andbeing adjacent to the closure means.

When mention of the properties “elastically elongatable”, “elongatable”,or “non-elongatable” is made in the present application, the respectiveproperty is at all times intended to refer to the transverse directionof the disposable incontinence diaper. With a view to quantifiablydelineating elastically elongatable regions from non-elongatable or notelastically elongatable regions, reference is made to the measuring ortesting methods described further below.

It is furthermore proposed that a respective side portion folding axisthat in the unfolded state is inboard, thus adjacent to the rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery of the main part, runs within the elasticor elasticized region of the respective side portion. On accountthereof, the stiffening effect of each fold which is undesirable per sein the case of a flat material can be reduced.

However, it proves advantageous for a respective side portion foldingaxis that in the unfolded state is further outboard in the transversedirection to run within the non-elongatable region of the rearward sideportions. The stiffening effect of the folding axis can indeed bedesirable specifically therein, since on account thereof theintroduction of the tensile force by way of the closure means isdistributed more uniformly to the side portions.

It is furthermore proposed that the rearward side portions ex works arefolded onto themselves about exactly two side portion folding axes thatrun in the longitudinal direction such that exactly three part-regionsof the side portions are formed, and such that the central part-region,proceeding from the outer folding axis that runs in the longitudinaldirection, by way of at least 50% of the area thereof is configured soas to be non-elongatable.

It preferably applies to the folded-in configuration of the rearwardside portions that an extent (A) in the transverse direction of therearward side portions that are folded onto themselves beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and an extent(B) inthe longitudinal direction of the rearward side portions that are foldedonto themselves, are dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of theextents (A/B) is 0.5<A/B<1.

It is furthermore proposed that the disposable incontinence diaper isconfigured such that the extent (Q) in the transverse direction of therearward side portions comprises a proximal half that adjoins therearward lateral longitudinal periphery and a free-ending distal half,and such that the respective elastic or elasticized region of therearward side portions is disposed completely within the proximal half.In an advantageous refinement of this inventive concept, the respectiveelastic or elasticized region reaches up to the assigned rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery, or has a spacing in the transversedirection from the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery of at most 30mm. Furthermore preferably, the respective rearward side portions in theentire distal half are configured so as to be substantiallynon-elongatable.

It furthermore proves advantageous for the respective elastic orelasticized region of the rearward side portions to reach up to theassigned rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, without howeveroverlapping the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery. In a refinementof this inventive concept, the spacing in the transverse direction of arespective elastic or elasticized region of the rearward side portionsfrom the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery is at most 20 mm, inparticular at most 10 mm. This opens up the possibility of there beingno elongatable side portion materials provided in the direct transitionfrom that region of the side portion that lies outside the main part toa region of the side portion that overlaps the main part, thisincreasing the stability of the join connection.

It therefore also proves advantageous for the two rearward side portionsto be non-releasably joined to the main part conjointly with anon-elongatable region that overlaps the main part.

It is furthermore proposed that the side portions are configured suchthat in the introduction of conventional forces that simulate the usesituation in the transverse direction, the respective elastic orelasticized region in the transverse direction is elongatable by atleast 70%, in particular by at least 80%, further particularly by atleast 90%. This herein refers to an elongation capability which is notassociated with any durable significant plastic deformation, let aloneany damage to the material, but one that permits and causes an elasticrecovery of the elongated side portions. The values are determined bythe corresponding application of the measuring or testing methodsdescribed further below.

In the simplest and preferred case, the rearward side portions areconfigured so as to be rectangular, that is to say that said sideportions are delimited by peripheries that run in the transversedirection and in the longitudinal direction of the disposableincontinence diaper. At least the proximal half of the extent (Q) of theside portions is preferably delimited by the peripheries running in thetransverse direction.

A respective elastic or elasticized region is also advantageouslyconfigured so as to be rectangular, that is to say that said regions aredelimited by peripheries that run in the transverse direction and in thelongitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence diaper.Furthermore preferably, a respective elastic or elasticized regionextends across the full length of the side portions (in the longitudinaldirection of the disposable incontinence diaper).

The extent of a respective elastic or elasticized region in thetransverse direction in the non-elongated state is preferably 40 to 120mm, in particular 60 to 100 mm.

The extent (Q) of the planar spread-out but not elongated rearward sideportions beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery of the mainpart in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaperis preferably 130 to 280 mm, in particular 170 to 250 mm.

The extent (B) of the rearward side portions in the longitudinaldirection in the region of the joint with the main part is 100 to 200mm, in particular 120 to 170 mm.

An extent (QE) of a respective elastic or elasticized region in thetransverse direction, and a maximum extent (Q) of the rearward sideportions beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery,are preferably dimensioned in such a manner that the mutual ratio of theextents (QE/Q) is 0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular 0.30<QE/Q<0.45.

In the case of the T-shaped disposable incontinence diaper according tothe invention it has proven particularly advantageous for the extent (Q)in the transverse direction of the rearward side portions beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and a maximum extent(B) in the longitudinal direction of the rearward side portions, to bedimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents (Q/B) is1.0<Q/B<2.0. In the case of belt diapers, this ratio is higher by amultiple.

It is furthermore proposed that the two rearward side portions in thelongitudinal direction have a spacing from a rearward transverseperiphery of the main part of at least 1 mm, in particular of at least 5mm, in particular of at least 10 mm, in particular of at least 15 mm, inparticular of at most 50 mm. It is guaranteed on account thereof thatthe transverse tensile forces that when placing are exerted by way ofthe closure means and herein are introduced into the back region of themain part are “distributed” to a comparatively large portion of the mainpart.

It furthermore proves advantageous for a straight line that extends inthe transverse direction and is tangent to the respective closure meanson the crotch-facing side to intersect the absorbent element. This canpreferably be implemented when the two rearward side portions in thelongitudinal direction have a spacing from the rearward transverseperiphery of the main part, as has been mentioned above. It is providedin particular that a straight line that extends in the transversedirection, and in the longitudinal direction bisects the side portionsin the region of the joint with the main part, intersects the absorbentelement. This stabilizes the bearing of the absorbent element andsupports a correct fit of the diaper.

It furthermore proves advantageous for each rearward side portion tohave exactly one closure means. The closure means are typically a tabfrom a single-layer or multiple-layer flat material which, proceedingfrom a configuration that is typically folded inward onto the sideportion about a distal longitudinal periphery of the viewed sideportion, is capable of being unfolded to an operating position that isfolded outward. A respective closure means is equipped with adhesiveand/or mechanically adhering regions, layers, or elements, such ashook-and-loop materials, for example, in a manner known per se whichtherefore does not require any further description. In as far as theside portion has exactly one closure means, it proves advantageous forsaid closure means to be provided in a distal region of the side portionso as to be approximately centric in the longitudinal direction. Itfurthermore proves advantageous for the respective closure means to havean extent in the longitudinal direction that is between 25% and 75% ofthe extent B of the side portion in the longitudinal direction.Furthermore, the respective closure means in the folded-in and theunfolded state are preferably configured so as to be rectangular. Saidclosure means in the non-active configuration ex works are preferablyfolded inward onto themselves.

In terms of the dimensions of the main part of the disposableincontinence diaper it has proven advantageous for the extent of themain part in the transverse direction in the back region and/or or inthe front region to be 250 mm to 550 mm, in particular 300 to 520 mm.The front region and the back regions of the main part preferably havethe same transverse extent (measured in mm).

The extent of the main part in the longitudinal direction is preferably700 to 1200 mm, in particular 800 to 1100 mm. The main part can beprovided with a constriction in the transverse direction, consequently aleg opening contour, in the crotch region. In an alternative embodiment,the main part is configured so as to be rectangular.

The elastic or elasticized regions can be implemented by way of meansthat per se are commonplace to a person skilled in the art. For example,portions per se of elastic materials such as elastic films or elasticnon-wovens, can thus be joined to non-elongatable portions of the sideportions by joining methods such as adhesive bonding or thermal weldingor ultrasonic welding.

A further possibility for achieving an elastification in regions lies inthat the side portions in regions are preferably “activated” by atechnology that has become known as “ring rolling”. This technology isdescribed, for example, in EP 0 650 714 A1. A material that per se isnot elongatable, for example a non-woven/film laminate, issuper-elongated by “ring rolling” by way of an excessive deflectionbetween mutually meshing rollers. In this super-elongated state, thatmaterial of the laminate that previously was not elongatable per se doesnot offer any substantial resistance to being stretched in terms oflength. By way of a combination with an elastically elongatable elementwithin a laminate of this type, an elastic elongation capability can beachieved in the correspondingly treated region. As an alternativethereto, elasticizing means such as elastic film portions or threads, inparticular Lycra or Spandex threads in the pre-tensioned state, can beconnected in regions with the flat materials, in particular non-wovenmaterials, that form the remainder of the side portions(stretch-bonding).

The rearward side portions in the use situation are brought to overlapthe external side of the front region of the main part, in order thatclosure means that are provided in the region of the respective freeends of both rearward side portions can be closed on the external sideof the main part of the diaper. To this end, the closure means and atleast one region of the external side of the main part are configured asa closure system. To this end, the closure means have in particularmechanical closure elements such as hook elements, in particular also incombination with adhesively bonding regions, by means of which theclosure means are capable of being rendered so as to engage in areleasable adhering manner with the external side of the main part. Tothis end, it has proven advantageous for the external side of the mainpart to be at least in regions, preferably completely, formed by acorrespondingly configured non-woven. Alternatively, it is possible fora separate hook pile element to be provided on the external side in thefront region of the main part, said separate hook pile element servingas a landing zone for the closure means of the side portions.

It preferably applies to the folded-in configuration of the rearwardside portions that an extent (A) in the transverse direction of therearward side portions that are folded onto themselves beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and an extent(B) inthe longitudinal direction of the rearward side portions that are foldedonto themselves, are dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of theextents (A/B) is 0.5<A/B<1.

Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposable incontinence diapers,the main part, together with the rearward side portions that are foldedonto themselves, is preferably ex works folded inward onto itself abouta first and a second main part folding axis that in each case run in thelongitudinal direction in such a manner that the rearward side portionson both sides come to lie so as to at least partially overlap oneanother in the direction of thickness, thus in a manner orthogonal to aplane that encloses the longitudinal direction and the transversedirection. Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposableincontinence diapers, the main part together with the rearward sideportions that are folded onto themselves, and preferably subsequent tothe folding about main part folding axes that run in the longitudinaldirection as described above, is furthermore preferably additionally itworks folded inward onto itself about one or two main part folding axesthat run in the transverse direction.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention are providedby the accompanying patent claims and by the graphic representation anddescription that follows of a preferred embodiment of the disposableincontinence diaper according to the invention. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a disposable incontinence diaper accordingto the invention, in a planar spread-out but not elongated state;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the diaper as per figure one, by way of thesection plane II-II;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the diaper in the worn state;

FIGS. 4 a, b, c show in each case an enlarged and partial illustrationof the diaper as per FIG. 1 in the region of a rearward side portion, ina planer spread-out but not elongated state, having dimensions andfolding axes, respectively;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged illustration of the diaper as per FIG. 1 in theregion of a rearward side portion, in a configuration in which saiddiaper is folded onto itself;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view by way of the section plane VI-VI of FIG.5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustration of the diaper according to FIG. 4,having clamps of a device for determining the elongation capability.

The figures show a disposable incontinence diaper according to theinvention, which in its entirety is identified by the reference sign 2,in the so-called T-shape. The diaper 2 comprises a main part that in itsentirety is identified by the reference sign 4, having an absorbentelement 6 that absorbs bodily fluids. The absorbent element 6 preferablycomprises cellulose fibers and super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP).In the case of the diaper 2, a longitudinal direction 8 and a transversedirection 10 are distinguishable, wherein the latter in the worn stateof the diaper corresponds to the circumferential direction of the hip ofthe user. The main part 4 comprises a front region 12 having forwardlateral longitudinal peripheries 14, a back region 16 having rearwardlateral longitudinal peripheries 18, and disposed therebetween a crotchregion 20. In the case of the T-shaped diaper 2, rearward side portions22 which in the transverse direction 10 extend laterally beyond therearward lateral longitudinal peripheries 18 are provided only in theback region 16 of the main part 4, said rearward side portions 22 in theregion of the rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries 18 beingnon-releasably joined to the back region 16 of the main part 4 in anoverlap region 24. The rearward side portions 22 in the region of thefree end 26 thereof in the transverse direction 10 have in each case atleast one closure means 28. The closure means 28 is configured in theform of a preferably rectangular tab and is folded in onto itself. Theclosure means can be opened, that is to say unfolded again, in the usesituation, so as to place the disposable incontinence diaper 2 on auser, wherein the side portions 22 are brought to overlap the frontregion 12 of the main part 4 and the closure means are fastened so as toreleasably adhere to the external side of the front part of the mainpart (schematically illustrated in FIG. 3).

As can best be seen from FIG. 4a , the side portions 22 are preferablyconfigured so as to be rectangular, wherein the latter are delimited byperipheries 30, 32 that run in the transverse direction 10 and byperipheries 34, 36 that run in the longitudinal direction 8. Therearward side portions 22 in the planar unfolded or spread-out but notelongated state illustrated in FIG. 42 have an extent Q of 200 mm beyondthe rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18 in the transversedirection 10. This extent Q of the side portions 22 outside the mainpart 4 in the transverse direction 10 comprises a proximal half 38 thatadjoins the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18, and afree-ending distal half 40 of the side portions 22. The side portions 22in the longitudinal direction 8 have a spacing d from a rearwardtransverse periphery 35 of the diaper of preferably 5 to 50 mm. Theextent (B) of the side portions in the longitudinal direction in thecase illustrated is 140 mm.

The side portions 22 outside the main part 4 are configured so as to beelastically elongatable in the transverse direction 10. To this end,said side portions 22 have an elastic or elasticized region 42. Thiselastic or elasticized region 42 of the rearward side portions 22 isdisposed completely within the proximal half 38 of the rearward sideportions 22. Said region 42 in the exemplary case illustrated in thetransverse direction 10 has a slight spacing of a few millimeters fromthe rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18. The elastic orelasticized region 42 is configured so as to be rectangular, and theextent (QE) thereof in the transverse region is delimited by peripheries44 that extend in the longitudinal direction 8, wherein the peripheries44 extend across the entire longitudinal extent of the rearward sideportions 22.

The rearward side portions in the distal half 40 of the extent Q of therearward side portions 22 are configured so as to be non-elongatable inthe transverse direction 10.

The respective elastic or elasticized region 42 of the rearward sideportions 22 can typically be achieved by interposing an elasticallyelongatable or an elasticized material in the side portions 22. The sideportions 22 in this instance are configured by material portions ofdissimilar elongation capabilities that are disposed sequentially andjoined to one another in the transverse direction 10. Alternativelythereto, elasticizing means in the pre-tensioned state can be connectedto flat materials of the rearward side portions 22. Furthermorealternatively, it is possible for flat material laminates that arenon-elongatable per se such as, for example, laminates comprisingnon-elongatable non-wovens and elastic films of the rearward sideportions 22 that are joined to said non-wovens in a planar manner, byway of measures known in the prior art, such as by way of so-called“ring rolling”, to be “activated”, that is to say rendered elasticallyelongatable, in regions.

The rearward side portions 22 are furthermore disposed on the backregion 16 of the main part 4 in such a manner that a straight line 45that extends in the transverse direction 10 and is tangent to therespective closure means 28 on the crotch-facing side intersects theabsorbent element 6.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 (in each case on the left) and FIGS. 4b, 5, and 6, the rearward side portions 22 ex works are folded ontothemselves about at least two side portion folding axes 46, 48 that runin the longitudinal direction 8. The side portion folding axes 46, 48herein define and delimit part-regions 50, 52, 54 of the rearward sideportions 22 that are folded onto one another (FIG. 4b ). It can be seenthat the side portion folding axis 46 that is adjacent to the rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery 18, thus the inboard side portion foldingaxis 46, runs within the elastic or elasticized region 42, while theside portion folding axis 48 that in the transverse direction 10 isfurther outboard runs outside the elastic or elasticized region 42, thuswithin a non-elongatable region of the side portions 22. The part-region52 which inwardly adjoins that part-region 54 that in the transversedirection 10 is outboard, proceeding from the outer folding axis 48 thatruns in the longitudinal direction 8, by way of at least 50% of the areaof said part-region 52 is configured so as to be non-elongatable. Inorder for this non-elongatable area to be determined, an imaginary line55 that is parallel with the folding axis 48, proceeding from thelatter, is moved inward in a quasi scanning manner in the transversedirection 10 in the direction of the main part 4 (this being visualizedby arrows in FIG. 4c ) until said imaginary line 55 meets an elongatableregion 58. The area thus scanned is at least 50% of the entire area inthe plan view of the part-region 52 in the non-elongated state. Thepart-region 52 here in the transverse direction 10 has a rectangularouter non-elongatable region 56 of a transverse extent U, and in thetransverse direction 10 has a rectangular inner elastically elongatableregion 58, said regions 56, 58 being delineated from one another by animaginary line running in the longitudinal direction 8. As has beendiscussed, the rectangular outer non-elongatable region 56 herein in thenon-elongated state comprises at least half of the entire area in theplan view of the part-region 52. It is also conceivable that thepart-region 52 that inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region 54 isconfigured so as to be non-elongatable across the entire extent of saidpart-region 52.

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show the configuration that is folded ontoitself of the rearward side portions 22. The part-regions 50, 52, 54that are folded toward one another are releasably fixed to one anotherat the joints 59 illustrated in FIG. 5. These joints 59 are configuredby way of measures described at the outset. It proves advantageous fornon-elongatable regions to a substantial proportion to be releasablyjoined to one another in the region of the overlap of the part-regions52, 54. In FIG. 6 the exemplary joining of the closure means 28 to theexternal side of the side portion 22 that faces away from the body andthe folding back onto the body-facing side of the side portion 22 canalso be seen in a schematic illustration. Furthermore to be seen is theschematically illustrated exemplary joining of the rearward sideportions 22 between two flat materials, for example a liquid-permeablecover layer 60 (top sheet) and a liquid-impermeable back layer 62 (backsheet) of the diaper main part 4.

The dimension A of the folded configuration of the rearward sideportions 22 in the transverse direction 10 outside the main part 4, andthe dimension B in the longitudinal direction 8 are illustrated in FIG.5. The ratio A/B is preferably 0.5<A/B<1. The respective ratio Q/B ofthe side portions 22 in the planar spread-out but not elongated state ispreferably 1.0<Q/B<2.0 and is illustrated in FIG. 4a . The ratio of QE,thus the extent of the elastic or elasticized region 42 in thetransverse direction, to Q is preferably 0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular0.30<QE/Q<0.45.

In as far as it should not be obvious in the individual case whether aside portion region is elastically elongatable or non-elongatable, thefollowing testing method is specified for the quantitative delineationof the terms non-elongatable, elongatable, or elastically elongatable,respectively:

The elongation capability herein can be determined directly on the sideportion 22 of the diaper. To this end, a respective region of a sideportion 22 is chucked between two clamping jaws 70, 72 of a defined,identical clamping jaw width b of 50 mm, wherein the clamping jawspacing a is 30 mm. The clamping jaw width b herein extends in thelongitudinal direction 8, and the clamping jaw spacing a extends in thetransverse direction 10, wherein the side portion 22 is in the planarspread-out but not elongated state. In as far as the region to bedetected should have an extent of less than 30 mm in the transversedirection 10, the clamping jaw spacing a is chosen so as to becorrespondingly smaller. The test is performed proceeding from apreliminary force of 0.2 N between the clamping jaws 70, 72. Proceedingtherefrom, the clamping jaws 70, 72 are diverged in the transversedirection 10 at a constant speed of 100 mm/min until a force of 15 N isreached, and substantially immediately upon reaching the force of 15 Nconverged again, specifically again at a constant speed of 100 mm/minuntil the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N is reached. Theinitial clamping jaw spacing L0 in mm when reaching the preliminaryforce of 0.2 N is noted, on the one hand. Furthermore, the clamping jawspacing L1 in mm when reaching the force of 15 N is noted (this ispreferably performed in each case in an automated manner by way of theevaluation unit of the testing device). Furthermore, the remainingclamping jaw spacing L2 in mm upon reducing the force to the value ofthe preliminary force of 0.2 N is noted at the end of the test.

In the case of the elongation capability being tested in the region ofthe distal half 42 of the rearward side portions 22, the clamping jaws70, 72 are preferably positioned in such a manner that the latter aredisposed outside closure means. To this end, the closure means can befolded outward as is illustrated in FIG. 7. Testing the area that iscovered by the closure means is not required since the side portionstherein by virtue of the closure means are typically non-elongatableanyway.

In the case of the elastic elongation capability being tested within theproximal half 38 of the side portions 22, the clamping jaws 70, 72 arepreferably disposed so as to be centric in the longitudinal direction 8in relation to the longitudinal extent of the side portions 22, as isillustrated in FIG. 8. The above test is then carried out. Subsequently,the clamping jaws 70, 72 are repositioned in the longitudinal direction8 (repositioned toward the top or the bottom, respectively, in FIG. 8)such that regions of the side portion that are adjacent in thelongitudinal direction 8 can be detected and the side portion can thusbe tested across the entire extent thereof in the longitudinal direction8.

For the purpose of evaluation, the term elongation is understood to bethe ratio between an increase in the clamping jaw spacing upon reaching15 N and the clamping jaw spacing in the case of the preliminary forceof 0.2 N, thus the elongated clamping jaw spacing L1 in mm at 15 N minusL0 in mm divided by L0 in mm, thus elongation [%] =(L1−L0)/L0.

For the purpose of determining the residual (permanently set)elongation, this is understood to be the ratio of the increase in theclamping jaw spacing upon reducing the force to the value of thepreliminary force of 0.2 N in relation to the initial clamping jawspacing (L2−L0) and the initial clamping jaw spacing L0 =, thusremaining elongation [%]=(L2−L0)/L0.

In the context of the present invention, the distal half 40 or anarbitrary region of a respective rearward side portion 22 is consideredto be non-elongatable when, carrying out the preceding test, each regionof the distal half 40 extending 50 mm in the longitudinal direction 8,and each region of the distal half 40 extending 30 mm in the transversedirection 10, permits an elongation of less than 50% in the case of abrief effect of a force of 15 N.

In the context of the present invention, the proximal half 38, or aregion 42 of the proximal half 38, or an arbitrary region of arespective rearward side portion 22 is considered to be elasticallyelongatable when, carrying out the preceding test, the region detectedby the clamping jaws at 15 N permits an elongation of at least 60% andupon reducing the force to the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N aresidual (permanently set) elongation of at most 15% remains,specifically also when carrying out the test with clamping jaws that arerepositioned in the longitudinal direction 8. The side portion 22 isthus tested across the entire extent thereof in the longitudinaldirection 8.

In the case of the material of a side portion chucked between theclamping jaws breaking prior to the maximum force of 15 N being reachedwhen the preceding test is carried out, the breaking force thus beingless than 15 N/50 mm, the material will be considered as unsuitable forcarrying out the invention.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A disposable incontinence diaper (2), having a mainpart (4) having an absorbent element (6) and a longitudinal direction(8) and a transverse direction (10), comprising a front region (12)having forward lateral longitudinal peripheries (14), a back region (16)having rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries (18), and disposedtherebetween a crotch region (20) that comes to lie between the legs ofa user, and rearward side portions (22) which are joined to both sidesof the back region (16) and which in the transverse direction (10) ofthe disposable incontinence diaper (2) extend beyond the rearwardlateral longitudinal peripheries (18) of the main part (4) and in theregion of that end (26) of said rearward side portions (22) that is freein the transverse direction (10) have in each case at least one closuremeans (28), whereas no side portions (22) are joined to the front region(14) but the forward lateral longitudinal peripheries (14) of the mainpart (4) form a free-ending longitudinal periphery of the diaper,wherein the rearward side portions (22) for placing and closing thedisposable incontinence diaper (2) on a user are in each case capable ofbeing placed around the body of the user in a circumferential directionand of being moved to an arrangement that overlaps with an external sideof the front region (12), said rearward side portions (22) then beingcapable of being in each case releasably adhered to said external sideof the front region (12) by way of the respective closure means (28),wherein the rearward side portions (22) in a planar spread-out but notelongated state have an extent (Q) in the transverse direction (10)beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18) andwithin this extent (Q) are elastically elongatable in the transversedirection (10) and to this end have an elastic or elasticized region(42) that extends in the transverse direction (10) and in thelongitudinal direction (8), and wherein the respective elastic orelasticized region (42) of the rearward side portions (22) has a spacingin the transverse direction from the rearward lateral longitudinalperiphery (18) of at most 30 mm, wherein the rearward side portions (22)are folded onto themselves about at least two side portion folding axes(46, 48) that run in the longitudinal direction (8), part-regions (50,52, 54) of the rearward side portions (22) that are folded onto oneanother being defined and delimited by said side portion folding axes(46, 48), and wherein a part-region (54) that is outboard in thetransverse region (10) is configured so as to be substantiallynon-elongatable, and wherein a part-region (52) that inwardly adjoinsthe outboard part-region (54), proceeding from the outer folding axis(48) that runs in the longitudinal direction, by way of at least 50% ofthe area of said part-region (52) is configured so as to benon-elongatable.
 19. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18,wherein part-regions (50, 52, 54) of the rearward side portions (22)that bear on one another are releasably fixed to one another by jointsthat are disposed outside the closure means (28), in particular byjoints that are disposed outside the closure means (28) in thelongitudinal direction (8).
 20. The disposable incontinence diaper ofclaim 18, wherein a respective side portion folding axis (46) that inthe unfolded state is inboard, thus adjacent to the rearward laterallongitudinal periphery (18) of the main part (4), runs within theelastic or elasticized region (42) of the respective side portion (22).21. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein a respectiveside portion folding axis (48) that in the unfolded state is furtheroutboard in the transverse direction (10) runs within a non-elongatableregion of the rearward side portions (22).
 22. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the rearward side portions (22)are folded onto themselves about exactly two side portion folding axes(46, 48) that run in the longitudinal direction (8) such that exactlythree part-regions (50, 52, 54) of the side portions (22) are formed,and in that the central part-region (52), proceeding from the outerfolding axis (48) that runs in the longitudinal direction (8), by way ofat least 50% of the area thereof is configured so as to benon-elongatable.
 23. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18,wherein each rearward side portion (22) has exactly one closure means(28), and in that the closure means is folded inward onto a body-facingside of the respective rearward side portions.
 24. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein an extent (A) in the transversedirection (10) of the rearward side portions (22) that are folded ontothemselves beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery(18), and an extent (B) in the longitudinal direction (8) of therearward side portions (22) that are folded onto themselves, aredimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents (A/B) is0.5<A/B<1.
 25. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, whereinthe extent (Q) in the transverse direction (10) of the rearward sideportions (22) comprises a proximal half (38) that adjoins the rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery (18) and a free-ending distal half (40),and in that the respective elastic or elasticized region (42) of therearward side portions (22) is disposed completely within the proximalhalf (38).
 26. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, whereinthe respective rearward side portions (22) in the entire distal half(40) are configured so as to be substantially non-elongatable.
 27. Thedisposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the two rearwardside portions (22), conjointly with a non-elongatable region (24) thatoverlaps the main part (4), are non-releasably joined to the main part(4).
 28. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein therespective elastic or elasticized region (42) in the transversedirection (10) is elongatable by at least 70%.
 29. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein the extent (Q) in thetransverse direction (10) of the rearward side portions (22) beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18), and a maximumextent (B) in the longitudinal direction (8) of the rearward sideportions (22), are dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents(Q/B) is 1.0<Q/B<2.0.
 30. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim18, wherein the two rearward side portions (22) in the longitudinaldirection (8) have a spacing (d) from a rearward transverse periphery(35) of the main part (4) of at least 1 mm.
 31. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 18, wherein a straight line (45) thatextends in the transverse direction (10) and is tangent to therespective closure means (28) on the crotch-facing side intersects theabsorbent element (6).
 32. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim18, wherein the main part (4), together with the rearward side portions(22) that are folded inward onto themselves, is folded onto itself abouta first and a second main part folding axis that in each case run in thelongitudinal direction (8) in such a manner that the rearward sideportions (22) on both sides come to lie so as to at least partiallyoverlap one another in the direction of thickness.
 33. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 23, wherein each rearward side portion (22)has exactly one closure means (28), and in that the closure means isfolded inward onto a body-facing side of the respective rearward sideportions (and herein reaches at most up to the side portion folding axisthat is adjacent thereto.
 34. The disposable incontinence diaper ofclaim 30, wherein the two rearward side portions (22) in thelongitudinal direction (8) have a spacing (d) from a rearward transverseperiphery (35) of the main part (4) of at most 50 mm.